Ruby's Pantry's next distribution Jan. 10

Ruby's Pantry's next planned distribution is set for Thursday, Jan. 10. Registration is from 5 to 6 p.m.; distribution at 6 p.m. The event site is located at Grace Christian Church, 1596 Fourth St., Fond du Lac, on the corner of Fourth St. and Hwy. K.

Ruby's Pantry of Fond du Lac hosted their Dec. 13 pantry by serving 271 families with a hand up - not a hand out. They thanked the many guests who were served who are not hesitant to come when in need - and be welcomed into a family who is eager to meet those needs.

Ruby's is for anyone who eats. There are no requirements to qualify for food. Participants donate $15 to the pantry program. This fee helps to defray the trucking costs, warehousing, delivery, staff, insurance and a host of other expenses too numerous to list. Without these donations, the program could not exist. It is appreciated when participants bring their own boxes, baskets or cloth grocery bags to receive their food.

Local businesses whose supplies and equipment are appreciated include: Festival Foods, Gellings Implement Inc., International Paper and Piggly Wiggly; and area newspapers, radio and social media for advertisement for us. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Zamzow who have tilled the ground to produce onions for us to distribute at Ruby's Pantry.

Thirty to 70 faithful volunteers give unselfishly of their time to help set up, repackage, register, distribute, carry out groceries, tear down and clean up every month are also welcomed. Without our volunteers, Ruby's Pantry would not be able to impact the community like it does.

The Dec. 13 distribution was a wonderful evening. Guests who came to participate, along with our volunteers were registered for door prizes of Kwik Trip gas cards and gift certificates for Ruby's Pantry.

Ruby's Pantry is a tri-state, faith-based, food relief program based in Pine City, Minn. Donated bulk foods are distributed from 27+ sites - reaching rural and larger communities. It is not government-funded and relies solely on corporate donations. Ruby's Pantry of Fond du Lac has assisted locally, the Fox Valley and beyond. Learn more at www.rubyspantry.com or call 920-923-5292.

The pantry is hosted by Grace Christian Church. Volunteers are the heart of this outreach. If you would like to volunteer or need information, call Grace Christian Church office at 920-923-5292 and ask for Cheryl, volunteer coordinator.